Notes from the Road: A Taste of Quest 2023

Today’s blog post takes you behind the scenes of Tawonga’s 2023 A Taste of Quest.

In June 2023, a group of eleven young adventurers and two wilderness leaders headed out on a week-long long trip to Stanislaus National Forest that was filled with camping, backpacking, swimming and even hiking though the snow! Enjoy highlights and photos below from this intro to Quest. We have a feeling these questers may be back for more next season! 

Quest Leaders

Katie Hampton and Cate McGlynn-Mandel

Questers

11 Questers between the ages of 10 and 12 (rising 6th and 7th graders)

Quest Itinerary

• A glorious week spent in Stanislaus National Forest, including day hikes followed by two days of backpacking to Relief Reservoir.
• Kennedy Meadows Pack Station base camp with trips to lakes and waterfalls.
• Swimming, exploring, stargazing and cooking their own meals.
• An epic final banquet with party glasses on the last night of Quest.

Quest Highlights

• SO many silly games
• On the backpacking trip, the questers took a break overlooking a rushing river and talked about different prayers and blessings for things in nature.
• The questers bonded over creating stories and memorizing chants about bagels and their general love of bagels!

Quest Leader Inspiration

“It’s a very unique experience to both be on a trip out of Camp like Quest and be part of the Tawonga community. It’s so special to spend so much time together and share experiences that bond the group. We get to know the kids SO well, which is really rewarding.”
– Cate McGlynn-Mandel, A Taste of Quest Leader